National Academies Initiative on Enhancing Community Resilience
Disasters caused by natural hazards and other large-scale emergencies are devastating communities in the United States. These events harm individuals, families, communities, and the entire country, including its economy and the federal budget. In response to these concerns, the Committee on Applied Research Topics for Hazard Mitigation and Resilience, part of the Resilient America Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, has selected two large-scale themes within which to identify applied research topics: 1) social capital and social connectedness for resilience, and 2) motivating local action to address climate impacts and build resilience. Separate data gathering workshops have been organized around each topic, leading to the publication of reports that identify applied research topics, information and expertise that can inform action and opportunities. The first report, Enhancing Community Resilience through Social Capital and Social Connectedness, was recently published and can be found at the following link:
Enhancing Community Resilience through Social Capital and Social Connectedness
The data gathering workshop on the topic of Motivating Local Action to Address Climate Impacts and Build Resilience will be held on May 25, and is open to the public. Interested attendees may register following this link:
Motivating Local Action to Address Climate Impacts and Build Resilience
VCCI’s Mark Abkowitz is a member of the Committee on Applied Research Topics for Hazard Mitigation and Resilience, and has been actively engaged in this effort.